A local-style food truck on the go

November 9, 2014

Story By: Christina O Connor | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

Miles Oyasato, co-owner of the popular food truck Kau Kau Grill, has been a longtime veteran of the food industry. He started as a waiter, but followed his passion to become a cook.

“I always liked cooking, so I kind of worked my way into the kitchen,” he recalls.

Kau Kau Grill opened in 2013.

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One of the truck’s most-requested items is Pulehu Beef Short Ribs ($12), which features char-broiled short ribs seasoned with Hawaiian salt and pepper, and is served with rice and salad.

“These ribs are something that are a favorite of mine,” Oyasato says. “It’s plain and simple, but when you cook it right, it’s so good. The short ribs have a lot of flavor naturally.”

Pulehu Beef Short Ribs ($12) A. CONSILLIO PHOTO

“Trust Us” Special ($15) NATHALIE WALKER PHOTO

If you’re not sure what to order, Kau Kau Grill has created a combo just for you:

“Trust Us” Special ($15) features barbecue ribs and garlic shrimp.

“When we first opened, everybody was asking what’s good,” Oyasato explains. “And from my personal experience, when you ask what is good, you want someone’s personal opinion. So with this, we are saying, just trust us and order this if it’s your first time.”

The barbecue ribs are slow-cooked and accented with homemade barbecue sauce, while the pieces of shrimp are sauteed with a homemade garlic sauce blend.

Kau Kau Grill buys its fish from the auction daily — so you know it’s fresh. No wonder Ono Poke Bowl ($8) is so popular, as it comes with both spicy and shoyu poke.

While Oyasato says a storefront eventually would be nice, the truck does have its advantages.

“The truck is good because we can be part of all kinds of events, and people everywhere can try our food.”

Kau Kau Grill appears at Eat the Street, Honolulu Night Market and school fairs. The truck constantly is on the move, but you can stay connected with them via social media. Check out its Instagram @kaukaugrill.

“If we are available, we will pretty much do any type of event,” Oyasato says.